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Lee Duna@lemmy.nz to Space@beehaw.orgEnglish · 2 years ago

Solar sails could reach Mars in just 26 days

phys.org

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Solar sails could reach Mars in just 26 days

phys.org

Lee Duna@lemmy.nz to Space@beehaw.orgEnglish · 2 years ago
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A recent study submitted to Acta Astronautica and currently available on the arXiv preprint server explores the potential for using aerographite solar sails for traveling to Mars and interstellar space, which could dramatically reduce both the time and fuel required for such missions.
  • NigelFrobisher@aussie.zone
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    2 years ago

    How long would it take to send just Elon?

    • comedy@kbin.social
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      2 years ago

      His fat head would probably slow things down a good bit, unfortunately

      • flora_explora@beehaw.org
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        2 years ago

        Weird comment. Lookism isn’t cool, even if targeted at horrible and powerful people like Elon Musk. Also, how would more mass/larger surface slow anything down in space where there is no air resistance/drag??

        • StringTheory@beehaw.org
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          2 years ago

          https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/fathead

          In common North American usage “fat head” and “big head” imply hubris or pride, as well.

        • comedy@kbin.social
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          2 years ago

          I was referencing his ego (“fat head”). Save the scolding for your undoubtedly large collection of cats.

        • anguo@lemmy.ca
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          2 years ago

          More mass needs more energy to accelerate or decelerate. If you change the object’s mass without changing thrust (I guess sail size here), it will definitely take more time to get there.

          • flora_explora@beehaw.org
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            2 years ago

            Ah OK, so mass is important but surface isn’t, right?

            • anguo@lemmy.ca
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              2 years ago

              That’s right!

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